Wolf says disaster declaration falls short of help needed in the state

Apr. 1--President Donald Trump on Tuesday approved a major disaster declaration for Pennsylvania that Gov. Tom Wolf said fell short of the full assistance he requested to help the state and its residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are grateful for federal funding that will support all levels of government as we work together to stop the spread, and support those who care for the ill," Wolf said in a statement, "but I remain unwavering in my call for the approval of the rest of my request, which will provide more direct support to our friends and neighbors who are facing financial difficulties that otherwise could be insurmountable."

Under the declaration, municipal, county and state governments, and eligible nonprofits can receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for expenses, such as overtime or equipment, related to their response to the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak.

Direct federal assistance is also included under the disaster declaration, according to Wolf's statement.

However, Wolf said the declaration did not address his request for assistance through Individual Assistance programs, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Community Disaster Loans and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program and Statewide Hazard Mitigation.

Wolf's statement there is no timetable on when the rest of his request would be considered, though Wolf signed a disaster proclamation, the first step in a federal declaration, on March 6.

According to an email from the White House announcing the disaster declaration, "Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further assessments."

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, also wrote to Trump requesting a disaster declaration for Pennsylvania and specifically mentioned many of the programs that Wolf did that have so far gone unaddressed.

"Pennsylvania has taken swift and necessary action to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders, the closure of non-life sustaining businesses and a prohibition on unnecessary gatherings," Casey wrote in a Monday letter. "Governor Wolf has utilized all of the resources at his disposal, but in the face of such a colossal threat, more resources are necessary to take on this unprecedented challenge."

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